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PHILADELPHIA – Dow Coating Materials, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW), accelerates progress in paints and coatings through customer collaboration, understanding market trends, and research and development, including high through-put research, in support of ongoing product development. The results of these efforts will be on display at booth 212 during the 2015 Eastern Coatings Show, June 1-4 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“Customers are looking for solutions that vary across a range of capabilities – including coatings that contain less volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can offer more application flexibility and do more than decorate and protect,” said Sylvia Insogna, North America marketing director, Dow Coating Materials. “We continue to collaborate across the value chain to address these challenges holistically to drive sustainable coatings solutions.”

From increasing sustainability requirements to general functionality improvements, Dow Coating Materials aims to develop products with premium performance across a wide variety of architectural and industrial applications.

Sustainable Solutions for Industrial and Architectural Coatings

A first in solvent-borne two-component (2K) urethane technology, PARALOID™ Edge Isocyanate1-Free Technology is a high performance, ambient crosslinking system that is both isocyanate-free1 and formaldehyde-free2. Solving the dilemma of extending pot life while maintaining quick cure, PARALOID™ Edge Technology offers flexibility for a variety of applications including auto refinishing, agriculture and construction equipment, and maintenance and protective coatings for metal and industrial wood.

Also a pioneer in waterborne industrial coatings, it’s no surprise that Dow Coating Materials continues to offer innovations aligned to evolving sustainability trends. Recently introduced MAINCOTE™ AEH Acrylic Epoxy Hybrid and MAINCOTE™ 4950 Acrylic Resin help enhance durability and protection properties for concrete and direct-to-metal applications while offering low-VOC capability. MAINCOTE Resins are available as one-component and two-component systems and offer improved performance without sacrificing on sustainability.

Balancing low VOC with high performance is an ongoing need in paint formulating in both industrial and architectural coatings – not just for binders, but for additives as well.

Paint makers are seeking highly efficient, easy pouring thickeners, while applicators are looking for better applied hiding, enhanced surface appearance, and better touch-up.

A recent addition to Dow’s functional family of additives, ACRYSOL™ RM-725 Rheology Modifier – a solvent-free3, APEO-free4 HEUR for near zero VOC paint formulations, addresses a number of paint maker challenges. Offering more of what formulators and applicators want, ACRYSOL™ RM-725 Rheology Modifier boasts excellent sag-flow balance for vinyl acrylic (PVA), vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE) and other acrylic binder systems.

These high-performance coatings needs extend even further for exterior substrates that need to withstand harsh elements. Dow Coating Materials also offers binders for exterior architectural wood coatings that help improve functionality while bringing the natural beauty of wood to the surface.

“Waterborne acrylic restoration coatings for wood substrates require fewer annual re-applications to help protect the beauty and value of wood,” said Insogna. “Excellent adhesion to wooden substrates and increasing the overall durability of exterior wood coatings allows applicators, formulators and end-users alike to create more sustainable wood surfaces.”

From semi-transparent stains to solid color stains and wood restoration coatings, exterior wood coatings, like AVANSE™ ST-410 Binder from Dow can highlight the grain and texture of wood substrates, offer enhanced dirt pickup resistance, advance UV durability or even rejuvenate well weathered wood.

Dow experts will address these innovations during the following presentations at the 2015 Eastern Coatings Show:

Tuesday, June 2: (11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) Controlling Wet Hiding with TiO2 Reduction Strategies in Architectural Coatings
Wednesday, June 3: (8:40 a.m. to 9:10 a.m.) Weathering the Elements – Why Real World Data is Critical in Developing Polymers for the Exterior Market
Wednesday, June 3: (9:40 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.) Relevant Preservative Testing: The Importance of Robust Microbial Challenge Testing to Mimic Paint Manufacturing Conditions
As customer and market needs change, Dow Coating Materials continues to collaborate with its customers to produce high-performance products that address growing sustainability and functionality trends across the globe.

“The continued focus on incorporating sustainable technologies into coatings is driving a broadening of paint categories,” said Insogna. “With growth of added functionality, improved environmental footprint and environmental, health and safety improvements, Dow Coating Materials is committed to research and development of innovations to advance these trends.”

1Manufactured without isocyanate

2No added formaldehyde or formaldehyde generators

3Manufactured without added solvent

4Manufactured without the use of APEO surfactants

About Dow Coating Materials
Dow Coating Materials is the most innovative coatings raw material supplier in the world; driving fundamental shifts in the coatings industry and moving the market as the expert’s expert in coatings solutions. Through its mission of collaboration, inspiration, innovation and growth, the business provides material products, science, technology and manufacturing solutions to the architectural and industrial coatings industry worldwide. Dow Coating Materials operates 43 manufacturing plants worldwide and 13 dedicated R&D facilities across all major geographic markets where Dow does business. For more information please visit www.dowcoatingmaterials.com.

About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company is driving innovations that extract value from the intersection of chemical, physical and biological sciences to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, clean energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow’s integrated, market-driven, industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 180 countries and in high-growth sectors such as packaging, electronics, water, coatings and agriculture. In 2014, Dow had annual sales of more than $58 billion and employed approximately 53,000 people worldwide. The Company’s more than 6,000 product families are manufactured at 201 sites in 35 countries across the globe. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio — Consumers are more connected in every aspect of daily life than ever before, from apps on their smartphones, to GPS in their vehicles, to wireless Internet in their offices. Now, tech-savvy shoppers can expect their favorite retailers to advance the in-store experience with the help of GE Lighting and Qualcomm Atheros, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated.

GE and Qualcomm Atheros have announced a collaboration to bring indoor positioning technology to major retailers, allowing retailers to pinpoint shoppers’ locations and use mobile apps to personalize the in-store experience. Technology embedded in new GE commercial LED bulbs creates unique pulse patterns to “talk” to shoppers’ smartphones and tablets. This high-accuracy, real-time connection will allow retailers to combine contextual information with location to create revolutionary new tools such as indoor navigation, infinite aisle, suggested items, product information, and special offers or coupons to those who opt in and download the retailer’s app.

“Today’s consumers want a customized experience—from the news they read, to the games they play, to the products they buy, they expect technology-driven personalization,” said Jeff Bisberg, Global General Manager, Indoor Location, GE Lighting. “Working with Qualcomm Atheros, GE is harnessing the power of our commercial LED lighting to give retailers the opportunity to create an enhanced experience for shoppers securely, while respecting their privacy.”

A recent Google study confirms that consumers want more information and customized experiences during the shopping journey. The study found 71 percent of shoppers who use smartphones for research said their devices have become more important to their in-store experiences. Meanwhile, two in three shoppers who tried to find information within a store didn’t find what they needed, and 43 percent left frustrated.

“Enabling retailers to provide shoppers contextual services, with pinpoint accuracy, will introduce a new level of personalization and customer service,” said Dr. Cormac Conroy, vice president of product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “We look forward to supporting GE Lighting to commercialize this technology and to make possible a new level of indoor location and context experience.”
Beyond the retail industry, GE’s LED lighting-based indoor positioning systems could also see application in airports, hotels, hospitals and many other environments where it is beneficial to know individuals’ locations.

GE is highlighting advancements in lighting at LIGHTFAIR International 2015, including LED-based intelligent solutions for homes and cities, as well as commercial buildings.
Learn more about GE’s indoor positioning and other lighting solutions at LIGHTFAIR 2015 in New York City, May 5-7, in GE Lighting’s booth #1621, or visit www.gelighting.com.

GE Lighting
GE Lighting is changing the way people light and think about their world in commercial, industrial, municipal and residential settings. Light brightens our path to a better way of being. Today, light is intelligent. Light listens, learns and sees. GE. Where Light Is Bright. www.gelighting.com

GE
GE (NYSE: GE) imagines things others don’t, builds things others can’t and delivers outcomes that make the world work better. GE brings together the physical and digital worlds in ways no other company can. In its labs and factories and on the ground with customers, GE is inventing the next industrial era to move, power, build and cure the world. www.ge.com

MONTVALE, NJ — Benjamin Moore, North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand, has kicked off the most robust and ambitious advertising campaign in company history. Under the new tagline “Paint like no other.”, the campaign is rolling out in two phases: the first series emphasizes product innovations, and is followed by a second wave focused on its retailer expertise.

“We’re pursuing a more aggressive approach to communicating the differentiating factors that set Benjamin Moore apart from our competitors,” said Ron Schuller, Chief Marketing Officer of Benjamin Moore. “There’s a consumer perception that ‘paint is paint,’ and our campaign sets the record straight by focusing on our unparalleled product quality and personalized retail experience.”

The first phase of the campaign entitled, “Feats of Can”, Benjamin Moore features coatings that correspond to different product lines of its expansive portfolio. The television spots illustrate unique attributes of each coating including Regal Select®, an easy to clean interior paint with superior stain resistant qualities; Natura®, the most environmentally friendly premium paint in the marketplace today; Aura® Exterior, paint with durability that withstands the elements with a lifetime warranty; and Regal® Select Exterior REVIVE™, paint that is formulated specifically for vinyl siding.

Schuller continued, “For more than 130 years, Benjamin Moore has been manufacturing paint that is superior and has revolutionized the industry — from developing a coating that has paint-and-primer together, to a paint with zero VOCs and zero emissions, this company continually innovates. Today’s consumer needs to know that inside every Benjamin Moore can is an unparalleled paint to get the job done right whether their project is for the interior or exterior of the home.”

The second phase of the campaign, “Who Are You Talking To?”, shifts attention to the expertise of locally owned and operated retailers. Benjamin Moore is the only paint maker that sells exclusively through independent retailers while purposefully avoiding distribution to big box stores. Benjamin Moore retailers are hometown resources that help consumers with the variety of questions related to priming, painting and staining. This series of television spots will begin airing May 4.
The multimedia campaign premieres on television, radio, in print and digital. To learn more about Benjamin Moore, visit www.benjaminmoore.com.

About Benjamin Moore & Co.
Benjamin Moore & Co., a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883. One of North America’s leading manufacturers of premium quality residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and continues to develop the most eco-responsible formulations possible. In 2012, the company’s Natura paint received the Green Good Housekeeping Seal, acknowledging its high degree of sustainability plus rigorously tested performance. Other superior products in the Benjamin Moore Green Promise® portfolio include Aura, Regal Select, ben® and Ultra Spec® 500 paint for commercial interiors — all built upon our patented Gennex® platform that has changed the industry and earned the passion and loyalty of homeowners and professional painters by delivering extremely low-VOC and peerless beauty and performance. J.D. Power and Associates 2014 Interior Paint Satisfaction Study ranked Benjamin Moore highest in consumer satisfaction, marking the fourth consecutive year and fifth time the company has earned this rating. Benjamin Moore paints deliver authentic Benjamin Moore colors and are available exclusively from Benjamin Moore’s network of paint and decorating dealers.

Indianapolis – Angie’s List (Nasdaq: ANGI) today announced its first exclusive paint manufacturer relationship with America’s Favorite paint, color and coatings brand, Benjamin Moore. The alliance identifies Benjamin Moore as the paint of choice by Angie’s List and provides members with contractor services through its private marketplace.

Angie’s List members will have access to best-in-class products and services while helping Benjamin Moore contractors strengthen and build their businesses with a professional and co-branded certification program.

“At Angie’s List, we are passionate about continuing to deliver increased value to our members,” said Pat Brady, president of Marketplace for Angie’s List. “We want to develop narrow but deep relationships with the best manufacturers in the business and we’re excited to count Benjamin Moore as the first of what we hope will be many such relationships.”

“In 2014, Angie’s List members spent an estimated $2 billion painting their homes with Angie’s List contractors,” said Ron Schuller, Chief Marketing Officer at Benjamin Moore. “As the preferred paint among professionals coupled with the growth and demand for painting services, this is the perfect opportunity to connect members to premium Benjamin Moore products and certified contractors.”

“We choose to work closely with the best service providers in the business,” said Brady. He added, “This relationship is designed to bring exclusive deals and efficiencies to both Angie’s List members and service providers, delivering the highest quality paint products at the best possible value.”
As part of this agreement, Angie’s List members will be able to use the Project Visualizer on angieslistbusinesscenter.com/benjaminmoore to preview what hundreds of Benjamin Moore interior and exterior paint colors would look like in and on their homes. In addition, Benjamin Moore painting professionals will provide exclusive ecommerce offerings to Angie’s List members.

About Angie’s List
Angie’s List helps facilitate happy transactions between more than three million consumers nationwide and its collection of highly-rated service providers in 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. Built on a foundation of authentic reviews of local service, Angie’s List connects consumers directly to its online marketplace of services from member-reviewed providers, and offers unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

About Benjamin Moore & Co.
Benjamin Moore & Co., a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883. One of North America’s leading manufacturers of premium quality residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and continues to develop the most eco-responsible formulations possible. In 2012, the company’s Natura® paint received the Green Good Housekeeping Seal, acknowledging its high degree of sustainability plus rigorously tested performance. Other superior products in the Benjamin Moore Green Promise® portfolio include Aura®, Regal® Select, ben® and Ultra Spec® 500 paint for commercial interiors — all built upon our patented Gennex® platform that has changed the industry and earned the passion and loyalty of homeowners and professional painters by delivering extremely low-VOC and peerless beauty and performance. J.D. Power and Associates 2014 Interior Paint Satisfaction Study ranked Benjamin Moore highest in consumer satisfaction, marking the fourth consecutive year and fifth time the company has earned this rating. Benjamin Moore paints deliver authentic Benjamin Moore colors and are available exclusively from Benjamin Moore’s network of paint and decorating dealers.

CLEVELAND – Sherwin-Williams introduces SuperDeck, the most comprehensive deck care finishing system available. The full line, featuring premium Duckback® technology, includes products for staining, sealing, stripping, cleaning and restoring decks. The line is set to launch in the spring of 2015.

Innovations found in the new line include revolutionary infrared (IR) reflective technology stains, designed to help keep surfaces cool even when temperatures are hot.

“SuperDeck products bring together the impressive results customers want with the easy application and fast drying time contractors are looking for,” said Karl Schmitt, senior vice president of market research, color and design, Sherwin-Williams. “Long-lasting results, durability and adhesion make the line perfect for any deck-related project.”

The SuperDeck care system offers a clear sealer and semi-transparent, semi-solid and solid color stains – all in a waterborne formula, plus oil-based transparent and semi-transparent formulations. Additionally, SuperDeck Deck & Dock Elastomeric Coating is ideal for smoothing and filling rough or damaged surfaces. Also available are Log Home Oil & Waterborne Finishes, Exotic Hardwood Stain and Pressure Treated Wood Stain.

SuperDeck can be applied on a variety of deck substrates including new, uncoated, pressure-treated, weathered lumber, cedar and redwood. It’s also available in a wide range of colors that complement Sherwin Williams popular WoodScapes® stains for vertical wood surfaces – allowing for a fully coordinated look.

Unique offerings in the new line include:

SuperDeck IR Reflective Waterborne Deck Stains
IR reflective technology contains pigments that reflect ultraviolet rays back into the atmosphere. As a result, the exterior surface temperature of wood decks stay cooler on the foot compared to conventional dark stain colors that are difficult to walk on in warm, sunny days. This technology is available in three colors in both the Waterborne Semi-Solid Color and Solid Color stains.

SuperDeck Waterborne Semi-Solid Stain
A semi-solid stain has a rich pigmented appearance that allows some natural wood grain to show through. The semi-solid makes a stronger color statement than a semi-transparent, without completely concealing the wood grain like a solid color. It also repels water on new or weathered wood and can be applied to damp or dry wood.

SuperDeck Log Home and Deck Stain
This stain achieves the appearance and weathering performance of a satin varnish with the ease of a stain. This formula offers exceptional water beading properties and UV inhibitors for premium results. Its semi-transparent look is ideal for new wood surfaces.

ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™
Through its more than 4,000 stores and 2,400 sales representatives, Sherwin-Williams provides fast, flexible, responsive service and personalized, expert advice to meet the coating and color needs of builders, designers, specifiers, property managers and contractors. As North America’s largest single-source supplier of high-quality paints, stains, masonry coatings and brand-name wall and floor coverings, Sherwin-Williams is proud to have earned the EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for its innovative acrylic alkyd technology. Visit sherwin-williams.com or join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr.

NEW YORK – As part of the NBA All-Star celebration in New York City this February, the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) will team up with Benjamin Moore and Publicolor to transform the alma mater of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famers Nate “Tiny” Archibald and Dolph Schayes. On Saturday, February 14 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, Archibald and Schayes will be honored for their legacies by NBRPA Board Members Thurl Bailey and Dwight Davis, as well as NBRPA Ambassador Teresa Weatherspoon (4-time WNBA All-Star with New York Liberty), 18-year NBA veteran Danny Schayes (Dolph’s son) and NBRPA New York City Chapter President Tom Hoover (New York Knicks). Following a short ceremony, these former players and dozens more (as well as their family members) will work alongside youth from Publicolor and DeWitt Clinton High School, community volunteers and leaders from Benjamin Moore to revitalize common areas of the 118 year old New York City public school.

“Tiny Archibald (DeWitt Clinton Class of 1966) and Dolph Schayes (DeWitt Clinton Class of 1945) are two of the greatest basketball players ever to emerge from New York City,” said NBRPA President & CEO Arnie D. Fielkow. ”As the professional basketball community converges on New York to celebrate NBA All-Star 2015, we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate their outstanding playing careers and commitment to community than to unite with Benjamin Moore and Publicolor in service at DeWitt Clinton High School.”

Raised in the South Bronx’s Patterson housing projects, Archibald emerged from one NYC’s toughest neighborhoods to become an NBA Champion, six-time NBA All-Star and one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. Dolph Schayes was one nation’s first true basketball superstars, going from DeWitt Clinton to New York University to the Syracuse Nationals (now Philadelphia 76ers) of the NBA, where he was an NBA Champion, 12-time NBA All-Star and one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.

“Through a year-round continuum of unique design-based programs that include transforming dreary environments into ones that convey dignity and respect, Publicolor addresses two of the root causes of poverty: the under-education of New York City students and their lack of preparedness for the workforce. We are delighted to partner with Benjamin Moore and the National Basketball Retired Players Association in a day of meaningful civic engagement benefitting DeWitt Clinton High School’s entire community,” said Ruth Lande Shuman, Founder and President of Publicolor.

“Benjamin Moore is thrilled to bring together two service-oriented organizations – the National Basketball Retired Players Association and Publicolor – that share our vision for making a positive and lasting impact through education in our communities,” said Kimberlee Bradshaw, Managing Director of The Giving Moore Foundation. “Our roots began in New York City more than 130 years ago so we are proud to continue our legacy of beautifying and enriching the community around DeWitt Clinton High School.”

Benjamin Moore donated the paint and sundries for this special project as the company is the official paint sponsor of Publicolor, an award-winning not-for-profit that engages at-risk youth in their education through a continuum of design-based education programs, academic support, and weekly career-readiness and life skills workshops. The Hall of Famers will be joined by additional former NBA, ABA, Harlem Globetrotters and WNBA players to give the second floor of DeWitt Clinton a much-needed facelift and share life lessons with the students between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on February 14. Another great DeWitt Clinton alum from the Bronx – Ollie Taylor, who also played for the Brooklyn (then New York) Nets – will participate in the event, as will former New York Knicks All-Star Micheal Ray Richardson, Emmette “Em” Bryant (New York Knicks/Boston Celtics), Willie Burton (Miami Heat), David Wingate (New York Knicks), Jack Marin (Washington Bullets), Matt Fish (Los Angeles Clippers), Ken Gardner (Utah Stars) and Tom Kerwin (Golden State Warriors).

About the National Basketball Retired Players Association
The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, Harlem Globetrotters and WNBA. It is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization with a two-pronged mission to assist former NBA, ABA, Harlem Globetrotters and WNBA players in their transition from the playing court into life after the game, while also positively impacting communities and youth through basketball. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Arnie D. Fielkow is the President & CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Otis Birdsong, Vice Chairman Thurl Bailey, Treasurer Marvin Roberts, Secretary Steve Hayes, Past Chairman Robert A. (Bob) Elliott, Past Chairman George Tinsley, Rick Barry, Dwight Davis, Spencer Haywood, Nancy Lieberman, Johnny Newman and Eldridge Recasner.

About Publicolor
Publicolor is a not-for-profit organization that engages at-risk students in their education and communities, and empowers them to realize their potential. Through a continuum of youth development/educational programs, Publicolor guides students in planning and preparing for college and careers. This all starts by teaching them to paint vibrant colors in their institutional-looking schools turning their prison-like schools into visually stimulating, student-centric environments. By teaching the marketable skill of commercial painting, students also acquire strong work habits that are transferable to success in school, career and life. Publicolor’s programs run year-round with a 7 week summer literacy and math immersion program called Summer Design Studio that they teach through the scaffold of product design. This is a work/study program where students create products in the mornings on Pratt Institute’s Brooklyn campus. Publicolor deliberately holds it at a college so their students feel comfortable in a college setting, and spend their afternoons painting city-owned homeless shelters. To ensure that their students continue their studies after high school, Publicolor has a community service scholarship fund that removes the main obstacle that separates low-income students from a college degree . Some of Publicolor’s recent achievements are: 2014 National Arts+Humanities Youth Program Award; 97% of Publicolor students graduated high school on time compared to 66% citywide; 94% went on to college versus 51% of their peers of a similar demographic and 94% persist in college versus 51% of students of similar demographic nationwide.

About Benjamin Moore & Co.
Benjamin Moore & Co., a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883. One of North America’s leading manufacturers of premium quality residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and continues to develop the most eco-responsible formulations possible. In 2012, the company’s Natura® paint received the Green Good Housekeeping Seal, acknowledging its high degree of sustainability plus rigorously tested performance. Other superior products in the Benjamin Moore Green Promise® portfolio include Aura®, Regal® Select, ben® and Ultra Spec® 500 paint for commercial interiors — all built upon our patented Gennex® platform that has changed the industry and earned the passion and loyalty of homeowners and professional painters by delivering extremely low-VOC and peerless beauty and performance. J.D. Power and Associates 2014 Interior Paint Satisfaction Study ranked Benjamin Moore highest in consumer satisfaction, marking the fourth consecutive year and fifth time the company has earned this rating. Benjamin Moore paints deliver authentic Benjamin Moore colors and are available exclusively from Benjamin Moore’s network of paint and decorating dealers.

IRVING, Texas, — Michaels (Nasdaq:MIK), North America’s largest arts and crafts specialty retailer, has launched online arts and crafts classes taught by top instructors and industry experts through an exclusive partnership with Creativebug.

A video accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=31150

The classes with Creativebug, a subscription-based provider of online DIY instruction, will round out Michaels’ robust arts and crafts educational programming. Michaels also offers numerous in-store classes and crafting events each month, as well as hundreds of online project ideas and instructions.

Accessible anytime, anywhere, the video classes provide the novice crafter with basic techniques, such as beginning calligraphy and paper crafting, while also catering to the enthusiast crafter by teaching more advanced skills and projects.

“Creativebug offers Michaels customers classes that capture the spirit of in-person teaching, so they feel like they are learning alongside their instructor, but at their own pace,” said Michaels Executive Vice President – Marketing Steve Carlotti. “The partnership with Creativebug provides a tremendous resource for our customers who are interested in making a project but are looking for step-by-step instruction and encouragement to make it a reality.”

In addition to the videos featured on Michaels.com, customers who sign up by March 22 can receive a free two-month trial subscription to Creativebug.com, with access to hundreds of video classes as well as a coupon for 25 percent off customers’ entire regularly priced purchase through March 25 at Michaels stores and Michaels.com

“At Creativebug, our goal is to enhance our viewers’ creative lifestyle by continuously teaching new techniques and encouraging them to explore new craft spaces,” said Creativebug CEO Ursula Morgan. “Through Michaels.com, we will be able to share our on-trend, modern craft classes with a wider audience and introduce these customers to the broad range of DIY art and craft techniques that Creativebug.com provides.”

The partnership debuts this month in conjunction with the launch of Michaels’ Springtime In Paris contest. Creativebug will offer viewers step-by-step instructional videos to create Paris-inspired craft projects, which crafters can enter in the contest for a chance to win a trip for two to Paris. Additional details are available on the contest website.

About The Michaels Companies, Inc.
The Michaels Companies, Inc., is North America’s largest specialty retailer of arts and crafts. As of Jan. 3, 2015, the Company owns and operates 1,168 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada and 121 Aaron Brothers stores, and produces 12 exclusive private brands including Recollections®, Studio Decor®, Bead Landing®, Creatology®, Ashland®, Celebrate It®, ArtMinds®, Artist’s Loft®, Craft Smart®, Loops & Threads®, Imagin8® and Make Market™. Visit www.Michaels.com for additional information.

About Creativebug
Founded in San Francisco by Chief Creative Officer Jeanne Lewis, Chief Operating Officer Julie Roehm and Editorial Director Kelly Wilkinson, Creativebug launched in May 2012 with the goal of being the go-to source for online DIY art and craft instruction. The subscription-based site features some of the most inspirational designers, artists and crafters to create personalized video classes for all levels of makers. Today, Creativebug.com features more than 400 classes, with two to four added each week to help elevate the creative lifestyle from a holistic approach. The classes focus on sewing, quilting, knitting, crochet, art and drawing. Otter Media, a joint venture between The Chernin Group and AT&T, acquired Creativebug in July 2014.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- -Post-it Brand from 3M introduces World of Color, a line of nine new eye-catching Post-it® Note color palettes inspired by bold and magnificent destinations around the world. Showcasing the transformative power of color, the collections hone in on color’s ability to trigger imagination, organize thoughts and foster self-expression. The collection’s bright hues empower us to Move to A World of Color, sparking unique ways to organize and express from the home to the office and beyond through the vitality of color.

Bright, lively and bold, the Post-it Brand World of Color collections energize thoughts, offering a vivid array of tones perfect for any personality. From majestic beaches in French Polynesia to the desert jewel of Morocco, the assortment echoes inspirational destinations and brings striking bursts of color into daily routines.

“Color is a powerful force, it has the ability to not only brighten your workspace, but also influence your mood and productivity in the office,” said Jeff Hillins, global business director for Stationery and Office Supplies. “The Post-it Brand World of Color collections continue to contribute to the brand’s extensive assortment of products, offering innovative tools to transform daily communication and organization and enhance creativity, collaboration and out-of-the-box thinking.”

The Post-it Brand World of Color collections feature palettes inspired by global destinations including:

Bali, Indonesia – Warm and soft pastels that reflect a tropical journey
Bora Bora, French Polynesia – A refreshing palette that echoes an escape to the island paradise
Cape Town, South Africa – Vibrant and upbeat hues true to this port at the southern tip of Africa
Helsinki, Finland – Tranquil and clean colors honor the simple pleasures of Scandinavian living
Jaipur, India – Bold and exotic bursts of color resemble the food, art and culture of India
Marrakesh, Morocco – Expressive and energetic colors reflective of this eclectic desert treasure
Marseille, France – Lively pastels that showcase the vitality of this French port city
New York, United States – Bright hues inspired by the city’s notable skyline, stone and steel landscape
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Dramatic bursts of color celebrate this Brazilian metropolis

In celebration of A World of Color, the Post-it Brand is a national sponsor of The Color Run™, one of the largest 5k event series in the world that brings together communities to create a canvas of colorful fun while embracing individuality, healthiness and happiness. In 2015, the Post-it Brand is hosting the yellow color zone along the course where participants will be doused with bright yellow color on their way through the event. At the color zone, runners will also find the Happy Wall, where they will be able to post and share Post-it Notes about what makes them happy. In runs across the nation, participants will receive a sample of Post-it World of Color Notes to continue spreading colorful messages after the race.
To demonstrate how color can positively impact your world, the Post-it Brand has launched 7 Days of Color, a week-long challenge to individuals and businesses to commit to bringing color into their lives with the opportunity to enter to win a trip to one of five destinations. Now through March 31, 2015, visit Post-it.com/color to discover how color can shape your world and take a brief survey to begin your colorful journey through a series of emails, activities, articles and more for additional sweepstakes entries.

The Post-it Brand World of Color collections are available in a variety of sizes including 3×3, 4×4, and 4×6, featuring Post-it Super Sticky Notes, Post-it Recycled Super Sticky Notes and Post-it Greener Notes, priced from $7.99. Explore all of the new city collections by visiting Post-it.com/color and learn about the vibrant cultures that inspired the color palettes. Post-it Brand World of Color products are available at office superstores, mass merchandise and online retailers nationwide.

About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $31 billion in sales, 3M employs 89,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

LAS VEGAS – Sherwin-Williams introduces the paint industry’s first-ever truly flat finish that has excellent washability, now available in Emerald and Duration Home Interior paints.

“Professionals no longer need to sacrifice performance for appearance,” said Karl Schmitt, senior vice president of market research, color and design, Sherwin-Williams. “The flat finish hides minor drywall imperfections while providing a washable, rich look.”

Unlike other paints that claim to offer a washable flat finish, the new, technologically advanced finish for Emerald and Duration Home is truly flat and cleanable. It offers the same exceptional washability, durability and burnish resistance of the matte and glossier sheens. Both paints also feature anti-microbial agents that inhibit the growth of mold and mildew on the paint surface.

Emerald Interior and Duration Home Interior paints are available in all Sherwin-Williams colors and custom tints in four sheens: flat, matte, satin and semi-gloss. Satin and semi-gloss finishes are now available in a new high hiding accent base, formulated to boost hiding power and deliver truer colors in fewer coats. Dark and vibrant colors are easily achieved with the same trusted performance and exceptional hide of Emerald and Duration Home Interior Acrylic Latex paints.

Emerald Paint: Revolutionary technology, best-in-class overall performance
Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex Paint and Primer in One features advanced stain-blocking technology that creates a beautiful, smooth, long-lasting finish, with remarkable hide and application characteristics. It also has outstanding resistance to scrubbing, stains, blocking and water spotting. Emerald Interior Paint meets the most stringent VOC regulations, is backed by a limited lifetime warranty and has achieved GREENGUARD GOLD Certification. The paint is suitable for a wide range of residential and commercial applications, including hotels, offices and home interiors.

Duration Home: Excellent durability and washability
Ideal for high-traffic areas, Duration Home Interior Acrylic Latex Paint and Primer in One features exclusive cross-linking technology that actually repels stains. Most stains wipe clean with water or mild soap, with no color rub-off and less visible shine after washing. Duration Home goes on smoothly and quickly and offers excellent hide.

For more information on Sherwin-Williams products, visit sherwin-williams.com/home-builders.

ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™
Through its more than 4,000 stores and 2,400 sales representatives, Sherwin-Williams provides fast, flexible, responsive service and personalized, expert advice to meet the coating and color needs of builders, designers, specifiers, property managers and contractors. As North America’s largest single-source supplier of high-quality paints, stains, masonry coatings and brand-name wall and floor coverings, Sherwin-Williams is proud to have earned the EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for its innovative acrylic alkyd technology. Visit sherwin-williams.com or join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr.

LIVERPOOL, N.Y. — Top 100 furniture chain Raymour & Flanigan has begun offering second-look financing from Genesis Financial Solutions, the companies announced.

Genesis said its program allows credit-challenged customers to make purchases at the 105-store Liverpool, N.Y.-based retailer.

“Genesis Credit has taken an innovative approach to developing high-quality, customer-focused financing that complements our existing Raymour & Flanigan custom-fit financing program,” said Raymour CEO Neil Goldberg. “Our sales have increased and our store associates appreciate the ease and simplicity of Genesis’ program while creating more loyalty to Raymour & Flanigan.”

Genesis said its program offers superior customer service and similar program features as a prime lender.

“We are honored to partner with Raymour & Flanigan, one of the leading and premier retailers in home furnishings,” said Bruce Weinstein, CEO of Genesis Financial Solutions.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. – IKEA announces the launch of SEKTION, a new, versatile kitchen system that will hit U.S. stores on February 2, 2015. The new modular kitchen, which will replace the current kitchen system AKURUM, enables customers to create truly customizable solutions, regardless of the size and shape of their kitchen space. SEKTION offers new features such as more modularity, integrated lighting, inside drawer organization, and “drawers within drawers,” giving homeowners options to create a beautiful, quality kitchen at a great price.

In developing SEKTION, IKEA did extensive research into what the kitchen means to people today, discovering that functionality and ease of use are top-of-mind for customers. “At IKEA, we understand that people want to create a home that is comfortable, safe and welcoming for their friends and families,” says Kathleen Wilber, IKEA US Sales Leader for Kitchens. “For the new SEKTION kitchen, this meant creating a collection that that is beautiful, easy to use, and works for all of life’s everyday activities, from cooking and eating to socializing and doing homework.”

Features of the new SEKTION kitchen system include:
A modular design that is easier to install, more functional and gives you almost endless possibilities when creating your kitchen.
Drawers within drawers that give you extra storage while maintaining a sleek, modern look.
New interior organizers to help squeeze the most out of every square inch of drawer and cabinet space and create a kitchen where things are accessible and easy to find.
Integrated LED lighting with features such as corner modules, electrical and USB outlets, remote control dimming and in-drawer lighting.
SEKTION also retains the best features of the current IKEA kitchens, such as soft close drawers and doors, a wall mounted rail system for easy installation, and a 25-year limited warranty. SEKTION is not compatible with the AKURUM system.

SEKTION will be available in a range of colors and styles from traditional to modern and everywhere in between. Starting February 2, 2015, customers can use the online IKEA Kitchen Planner to plan their own SEKTION kitchen. In addition to the online tools, IKEA offers a full range of services in-store, from planning and measuring to ordering and installing.

For images and all information on SEKTION, please go to www.IKEA-USA.com/SEKTION.

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 360 IKEA stores in 47 countries, including 40 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

Conshohocken – PA, The IKEA Group net income amounted to EUR 3.3 billion ($3.7 billion US)* for the financial year 2014**. Market conditions continued to improve with strong performance in China and North America, and an upward trend in Europe. There were 716 million visits to the IKEA Group stores and more than 1.5 billion visits to IKEA.com

“FY14 was a good year for IKEA. I am happy to see increased growth in all our sales channels; in existing stores, in the opening of new stores and in e-commerce. We reached some important milestones towards becoming energy independent and saw a 58% increase in the sales value of products that enable people to live a more sustainable life at home. Sustainability is an integral part of our business strategy”, says President and CEO Peter Agnefjäll.

Total sales increased by 5.9% (adjusted for currency impact) from last year to EUR 28.7 billion. Together with the rental income from the shopping centre business, total revenue amounted to EUR 29.3 billion (+2.8%). The IKEA Group gained market share in almost all markets and entered a new country – Croatia. The largest markets in terms of sales were Germany, US, France, Russia and the UK.

“We have an ambitious growth agenda and at the same time we’re determined to have a positive impact on people and the planet. Our size gives us a unique opportunity to make a difference and contribute to positive change in society, for instance by making energy-efficient lighting both affordable and attractive for millions of people”, continues Peter Agnefjäll.

Within its own operations, the IKEA Group produced renewable energy equivalent to 42% of the total energy consumed and aims by the end of 2015 to have invested and committed to invest EUR 1.5 billion in renewable energy projects, mainly offsite wind farms and photovoltaic (PV) panels.

In FY14, EUR 200 million were set aside to a new loyalty programme Tack! and the amount for the One IKEA Bonus Program was increased by EUR 98 million, as a thank you to our co-workers.

“A key factor to our strong performance is that we have a long-term view, and we don’t aim to maximise short-term profits. We strive to continuously create better products at lower prices for our customers and to make substantial investments in our future”, says Peter Agnefjäll.

* Dollar to Euro calculated at $1.12, January 24, 2015.
**FY14 = Financial year 2014 period is September 1, 2013 – August 31, 2014.

IKEA US FY14 Highlights

US Sales and Services:
US comparable store sales increased by 4.24% in the period September 2013 – August 2014. This builds on growth of 6.7% in FY13 and 8% in FY12. Total sales including e-commerce were up 5.38%.
Expansion:
There were 39 US stores in FY14. New stores opened in Miami, FL, August, 2014 and Merriam, KS, September, 2014. Planned store openings: St Louis, MO, Fall 2015; Las Vegas, NV, Summer 2016; Memphis, TN, Fall 2016.
Expansion of existing stores includes Stoughton, MA and Canton, MI
Sustainability:
IKEA installed additional solar energy systems to more US locations in FY14, with nearly 90% of our buildings outfitted with solar panels. IKEA announced two new stores; Merriam and Miami would open with solar panels. The IKEA Canton, Centennial, and Stoughton stores had their solar energy systems expanded by at least 25%. The IKEA Perryville and West Hampton distribution centers completed phase two of their solar panel installation.
The IKEA Merriam store will also have geothermal technology, a heating and cooling system.
In April 2014, IKEA US made its first wind farm investment in the US with the purchase of Hoopeston Wind in Hoopeston, IL. When completed, this project will generate enough safe, pollution-free energy to power approximately 30,000 US homes.
In the last 18 months, we have dropped the price of our E26 400 lumen bulbs (dimmable and non-dimmable) from $9.99 to $4.49 in order to make LED affordable for the many people; offering the lowest price on the market.
For more information on IKEA US community and environment programs, please read here: http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/this-is-ikea/reports-downloads/index.html
People:
In June 2014, IKEA Retail US announced that as of January 1, 2015 it will adopt a new minimum wage structure for all hourly IKEA US co-workers based on local living costs. IKEA will utilize the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Living Wage Calculator to determine these new wages. As a result of this change, 50% of IKEA US Retail co-workers saw an increase in their hourly pay rate. 22 US IKEA stores will have an hourly minimum wage of $10.10 or above; 33 retail locations will have an increase in their minimum wage because of this change.
For further information, please contact:
Mona Astra Liss, US Corporate PR Director, Mona.Liss@IKEA.com,
610.834.0180, ext. 5852
Martina Smedberg, Media relations IKEA Group, Martina.Smedberg@IKEA.com
+46 42 444 77 76

About IKEA Group
The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. There are currently 315 IKEA Group stores in 27 countries. Additionally, there are 40 IKEA stores run by franchises. There are 40 IKEA stores in the US. In FY 14, IKEA Group had 716 million visitors to the stores and 1.5 billion visitors to IKEA.com. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, please visit www.IKEA.com, facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA, http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/, www.youtube.com/IKEAUSA, www.theshare-space.com

KOHLER, Wis. — Two premium North American home brands have once again teamed up to provide interior design inspiration to homeowners and design enthusiasts. With Collaboration in Full Color Volume 2, Kohler Co. and Benjamin Moore offer ideas for balancing outstanding style with intriguing pieces and sensible function providing assistance to consumers by transforming vision into reality. This is the second installment from Kohler Co. and Benjamin Moore, each including a kitchen and a bathroom with the complete details on products and finishes used to simplify the selection process.

With three inspiring lifestyles — Natural State, Soft Focus and Desert Departure — the two companies have produced a 32 page-magalog sourcing inspiration from Californian style.

Natural State
A calming reprieve from daily life, this seaside home captures the soothing and tranquil feeling of watching the ocean tides turn. Sandbar colored fixtures throughout the home create a fluid style and earthy neutral hues are easy to build a style around.

Soft Focus
An ode to the glamour of a bygone era, this 1920s foothill manor gives its own definition to classical beauty. An appreciation for history and detail is balanced with clean lines and a need to be original.

Desert Departure
An escape from the desert’s rising temperatures, this mid-century modern home sets a new standard of cool with its color palette and attitude. Strong blues, whites and grays interspersed with glass accents and subtle textures create an uncomplicated and confident sensibility.
“Collaboration in Full Color continues to deliver inspiring content and tools from two industry leaders known for innovation, color and design leadership,” said Benjamin Moore Creative Director Ellen O’Neill. “We feel that homeowners are becoming more bold and energetic with their color choices and we are happy to offer inspiration to escort them through the process.”
“There’s so much more to great design than a room’s finished appearance,” said Tristan Butterfield, creative director for Kohler. “Great design should use what inspires you to bring personality, comfort and beauty into your home.”

The content and tools created through this collaboration are available now online by visiting Kohler.com/Ideas as well as in Kohler showrooms. Images are also available on Pinterest, pinterest.com/benjamin_moore and pinterest.com/kohlerco.

About Kohler Co.
Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, Kohler Co. one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies comprised of more than 30,000 associates. With more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products; engines and power systems; premier furniture, cabinetry and tile; and owner/operator of two of the world’s finest five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler, and St Andrews, Scotland.

About Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore & Co., a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883. One of the North America’s leading manufacturers of premium quality residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and continues to develop the most eco-responsible formulations possible. In 2012, the company’s Natura® paint received the Green Good Housekeeping Seal, acknowledging its high degree of sustainability plus rigorously tested performance. Other superior products in the Benjamin Moore Green Promise® portfolio include Aura®, Regal® Select, ben® and Ultra Spec® 500 paint for commercial interiors – all built upon our patented Gennex® platform that has changed the industry and earned the passion and loyalty of homeowners and professional painters by delivering extremely low-VOC and peerless beauty and performance. J.D. Power and Associates 2014 Interior Paint Satisfaction Study ranked Benjamin Moore highest in consumer satisfaction, marking the fourth consecutive year and fifth time the company has earned this rating. Benjamin Moore paints deliver authentic Benjamin Moore colors and are available exclusively from Benjamin Moore’s network of paint and decorating dealers.

TD Bank has signed a multi-year agreement to provide a new branded private label credit card program for Raymour & Flanigan Furniture.

The new Raymour & Flanigan card launched this week in the family-owned, Liverpool, N.Y.-based retailer’s 94 full-line showrooms, 11 clearance centers and online business. Under the agreement, TD’s Retail Card Services division will direct all facets of the program for the 67-year-old retailer, which has stores in seven states throughout Upstate New York, Metro New York and New Jersey, New England and Philadelphia regions.

“The Raymour & Flanigan card has long been a critical part of the services offered to our customers. Accordingly, it was essential that we partner with a company with a proven track record of providing first-rate service at the point-of-sale and beyond, innovative credit marketing programs and the extensive range of affordable financing options that are so important to furniture retailers,” said Raymour & Flanigan CEO Neil Goldberg. “In particular, we found a strong cultural fit between TD and our organization around the core mission of being completely focused on the customer. We look forward to partnering with them as we continue our commitment to building the preeminent retail furniture brand in the Northeast and beyond.”

“We are very pleased to add Raymour & Flanigan to our growing family of furniture retailers across North America,” said David Boone, executive vice president, U.S. Partnerships at TD Bank, Mahwah, N.J. “From the beautiful, well-merchandised showrooms offering vast collections of furniture and bedding, to a dedication to professional customer service that begins on the sales floor and continues well after the product arrives at the home, Raymour & Flanigan is laser-focused on creating the best experience for their customers. That focus also extends to their private label credit card and we are proud to have been selected to take the program to the next level.”

PITTSBURGH, – The GLIDDEN PROFESSIONAL® brand, one of America’s most trusted and recognized professional paint brands, today announced the launch of a new marketing toolkit for the professional painter. This easy-to-use system is designed specifically for the Pros to provide necessary tools to help them promote their businesses.

This toolkit enables the Pros to stand out from the competition by helping them develop professionally designed and printed promotional materials that display their company logos with the outstanding quality that is a staple of Glidden Professional products.

By utilizing the digital toolkit, Pros will be able to create hats, T-shirts, business cards, lawn signs, vehicle magnets and many other unique and creative items with production turnaround times of as few as three business days.

“The Pros have the products and the skills necessary to do their jobs, but the time and effort it takes to market their brands isn’t always available,” said Jodi Pitchok, senior marketing manager for the Glidden Professional brand of PPG Architectural Coatings. “We are excited about the opportunity to provide our Pros with an easy-to-use and affordable toolkit that will help them create quality promotional products to help attract new customers.”

Visit www.GliddenProfessional.com/THD/ProMarketingToolkit to get started.

Glidden Professional products are available at more than 2,200 THE HOME DEPOT® locations. Click here to locate a store near you.

PPG: BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE SURFACE.®
PPG Industries’ vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty materials company. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. Founded in 1883, PPG has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in nearly 70 countries around the world. Reported net sales in 2013 were $15.1 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com

– See more at: http://corporate.ppg.com/Media/Newsroom/2014/GLIDDEN-PROFESSIONAL-Launches-Marketing-Toolkit-fo#sthash.Dj9GqTtV.dpuf

Munich/ Miami. Starting in 2015, Art Basel and BMW will support emerging artists by awarding the BMW Art Journey, enabling them to go on their own journey of creative discovery. Functioning as a mobile studio, the BMW Art Journey can take artists almost anywhere in the world – to conduct research, make new contacts, and create new work.

The artist proposes the journey. The artist sets off on the journey. The artist reflects on the journey. Inspired by travel and encompassing infinite potential variations on places and experiences, encounters and destinations, the artists will have an opportunity to develop new ideas, discover new themes, and envision new creative projects.

Artists who are exhibiting in Art Basel’s sectors for emerging-artists in Miami Beach and Hong Kong, respectively, are eligible to receive a BMW Art Journey. It will be awarded twice a year, to one artist among those who exhibit at each location. Two international expert juries, one for Hong Kong and one for Miami Beach, will determine a shortlist of three artists per sector and invite these artists to submit proposals for a journey. One artist from each shortlist will then be selected, in a second round of judging, to receive the BMW Art Journey. The artist chosen from the Discoveries sector of Art Basel’s show in Hong Kong, taking place in March 2015, will be announced in the summer of 2015. The selected artist from the Positions sector of Art Basel in Miami Beach, in December 2015, will be announced in early 2016.

Members of the Hong Kong jury (first selection, March 2015) include:
Richard Armstrong (Director Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York)
Claire Hsu (Director Asia Art Archive, Hong Kong)
Matthias Mühling (Director Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus, Munich)

Members of the Miami Beach jury (first selection, December 2015) include:
Juan Gaitán (Curator based in Mexico City)
Massimiliano Gioni (Artistic Director New Museum, New York City)
Gabriele Horn (Director KW Institute for Contemporary Art, Berlin)
Victoria Noorthoorn (Director Museo de Arte Moderna, Buenos Aires)
Bisi Silva (Director Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos)

The journeys will be documented and shared with the public in publications, digital and social media. Where possible, BMW will work with the artists to present any new work or publications that may originate from the experience of the BMW Art Journey to the public or help them to engage with other artists, art organizations and local art-world entities along the journey’s path.

“For over forty years now, BMW has been involved in the arts with hundreds of long-term initiatives worldwide,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO of BMW of North America. “Now we are extending these efforts to contribute more directly to contemporary art practice. The BMW Art Journey is a great example of how we can do something meaningful for the benefit of today’s artists. We are confident that this initiative will allow the chosen artists to broaden their horizons and push their work into new creative territory. At the same time, we see this as another important step in our long-term partnership with Art Basel.”

“We are delighted to be collaborating with our long-standing partner BMW on this new project,” said Art Basel Director Marc Spiegler. “The BMW Art Journey will allow emerging artists from the Positions and Discoveries sectors of our shows to go on journeys that will feed into their future practice – so I look forward to ‎seeing where the artists go, and with what they return.”

Recognizing and supporting the work of some of the most accomplished artists working today, the BMW Art Journey is the latest in a broad range of cultural projects for BMW.

For more information, visit www.bmw-art-journey.com

About Art Basel
Art Basel stages the world’s premier art shows for Modern and contemporary works, sited in Basel, Miami Beach, and Hong Kong. Defined by its host city and region, each show is unique, which is reflected in its participating galleries, artworks presented, and the content of parallel programming produced in collaboration with local institutions for each edition. In addition to ambitious stands featuring leading galleries from around the world, each show’s singular exhibition sectors spotlight the latest developments in the visual arts, offering visitors new ideas, new inspiration and new contacts in the art world.
www.artbasel.com

BMW’s Cultural Commitment
For more than 40 years now, the BMW Group has initiated and engaged in over 100 cultural cooperations worldwide. The company places the main focus of its long-term commitment on modern and contemporary art, jazz and classical music as well as architecture and design. In 1972, three large-scale paintings were created by the artist Gerhard Richter specifically for the foyer of the BMW Group’s Munich headquarters. Since then, artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Olafur Eliasson, Jeff Koons, Zubin Metha, Daniel Barenboim and Anna Netrebko have co-operated with BMW. The company has also commissioned famous architects such as Karl Schwanzer, Zaha Hadid and Coop Himmelb(l)au to design important corporate buildings and plants. In 2011, the BMW Guggenheim Lab, a global initiative of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, the Guggenheim Museum and the BMW Group celebrated its world premiere in New York. The BMW Group takes absolute creative freedom in all the cultural activities it is involved in for granted – as this is just as essential for groundbreaking artistic work as it is for major innovations in a successful business.

The BMW Group
With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2013, the BMW Group sold approximately 1.963 million cars and 115,215 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2013 was € 7.91 billion on revenues amounting to approximately € 76.06 billion. As of 31 December 2013, the BMW Group had a workforce of 110,351 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–This Fall, Charmin, Crest, Dawn and Pampers brands launch a public art project, in partnership with Higher Level Art and retailer Food 4 Less, that features artwork on the Metro Gold Line in Los Angeles. Telemundo52 Los Angeles (KVEA), Telemundo’s West Coast flagship television station, along with Outfront Media will also support the effort. Over the past month, artists and designers have worked to create artwork that highlights the importance of family, happiness and nature that will inspire and encourage Angelenos to rediscover their neighborhoods.

“As one of the busiest cities in the nation, we know Angelenos spend a good part of their day on the go, whether it’s commuting to and from home, school or work,” said Seunghee Ha, Brand Manager, NA Go-to-Market Innovation at Procter & Gamble. “P&G’s public art project on the Metro Gold Line, which extends from East Los Angeles to Pasadena and back, spotlights the beauty and diversity of Los Angeles, turning the mundane task of commuting into something extraordinary. With the support of our partners, we are so proud to be able to celebrate this one-of-a-kind city.”

P&G brands partnered with Higher Level Art, a collective of artists creating exclusive murals, signs, and fine art installations around the world, to develop the 90 feet colorful murals that depict some of the brands’ iconic images. Higher Level Art is known for producing extensive creative works that draw from the wide variety of influences in popular culture.

“As artists we are always looking for ways to be inspired and inspire others. We are honored to have the opportunity to transform the Metro Gold Line to serve as visual entertainment to alleviate the stress of commuting,” said Matt Dayler at Higher Level Art. “We are hopeful that these bright colorful images will bring joy and smiles to Angelenos.”

Telemundo52 will support the Los Angeles project by offering new Spanish-language content that will extend until January 2015. The local television station is producing a video series in Spanish coined “Súbete con Telemundo52” (All aboard with Telemundo52) to cover the behind-the-scenes of the art project and Los Angeles attractions to visit off the Metro Gold Line.

For more information, visit Telemundo52.com/subete for more information about the beautification of the Metro Gold Line in Los Angeles.

About Procter & Gamble
P&G serves nearly five billion people around the world with its brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Duracell®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, Wella® and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

About Food 4 Less
Headquartered in Los Angeles, Food 4 Less operates 146 price-impact, warehouse-format supermarkets under the banners Food 4 Less in Southern California, Nevada, Illinois and Indiana, and Foods Co in Central and Northern California. Last year, Food 4 Less contributed more than $4 million to support education, hunger relief, women’s health and local nonprofit organizations in the communities served by the company’s stores. Food 4 Less is a subsidiary of The Kroger Co., (NYSE:KR), one of the nation’s largest grocery retailers, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information about Food 4 Less, please visit our website at www.food4less.com.

Telemundo52 Los Angeles
Telemundo52 / KVEA is Telemundo’s West Coast flagship television station, serving the Spanish-speaking community in the Los Angeles market. Owned by NBCUniversal, Telemundo52 has been delivering local news, information and entertainment to viewers throughout Southern California for nearly 30 years, reaching approximately 10 million viewers in five counties. Viewers turn to Telemundo52 for breaking news, weather and sports headlines across a variety of platforms, including online at Telemundo52.com and via mobile and social media channels. Today, Telemundo52 produces more than 20 hours of local news and programming each week and demonstrates its commitment to the community by cultivating local partnerships and capturing the diversity of Southern California.

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio — (NYSE:GE) — Tonight, the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, the National Park Service, and GE Lighting will unveil this year’s holiday LED lighting design for the National Christmas Tree at the 92nd annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at President’s Park. With more than 60,000 holiday LED lights on the living Colorado blue spruce, it is one of the most notable holiday displays in the United States.

“Each strand of GE LED holiday lights consumes up to 80 percent less energy than incandescent holiday lights, but still provides the festive lighting consumers love,” said Mary Beth Gotti, manager of the GE Lighting Institute and holiday lighting designer for the National Christmas Tree. “With GE LED holiday lights, consumers don’t have to compromise; they can enjoy energy savings and the inviting, glow they know and love.”

Smart LED holiday lighting
For more than 100 years, GE Lighting has been a symbol of both tradition and innovation in holiday lighting, bringing advanced technology and the industry’s highest standards to brighten festive decorations around the world. And this year, holiday lighting just got smarter – thanks to new GE LED innovations – including wirelessly controlled and color-changing LED holiday lighting.
While the National Christmas Tree has been all-LED for the past five years, it is expected that two out of every five holiday lighting strands sold this holiday season will be LED. As consumers begin their own holiday decorating, GE has brand-new products to help create the perfect holiday glow.
iTwinkle: Have fun with holiday lighting with GE’s iTwinkle lights, which can be controlled using a smartphone or tablet. Users can customize their holiday lighting like never before by adding a dimmer, pattern, color, music and even a voice to their holiday displays. GE’s iTwinkle is a new way to interact with holiday lighting in a smart, simple way.

Dual Color: Dual Color lights offer two colors on one light string. This new technology allows consumers to use either the GE Colorite Warm White or LED Multi-Color.

ConstantON®: GE’s ConstantON® technology will save countless frustrated holiday decorators this season, with technology that ensure that if one bulb burns out, the remaining lights on the string will stay lit.

Watch the National Christmas Tree Lighting Live:
GE Lighting along with the National Park Foundation and National Park Service invite families to watch a live stream broadcast of the lighting ceremony tonight. Visit www.thenationaltree.org to find out how you can tune in live. The event will also air on public television throughout the month of December. For broadcast times, check local listings or the National Christmas Tree Lighting website.

About GE Lighting
GE Lighting invents with the vigor of its founder Thomas Edison to develop energy-efficient solutions that change the way people light their world in commercial, industrial, municipal and residential settings. The business employs about 13,000 people in more than 100 countries, and sells products under the reveal® and energy smart® consumer brands, and Evolve™, GTx™, Immersion™, Infusion™, Lumination™, Albeo™ and Tetra® commercial brands, all trademarks of GE. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information, visit www.gelighting.com.

Conshohocken, PA – The IKEA Group announced today that it has purchased its second wind farm in the United States from Apex Clean Energy: a 165-megawatt wind farm in Cameron County, Texas. This represents the single largest renewable energy investment made by the IKEA Group globally to date. The wind farm will contribute significantly to the IKEA Group 2020 goal of producing as much renewable energy as the total energy the company consumes globally. The Cameron Wind farm is expected to be fully operational in late 2015.

Earlier this year IKEA Group announced its first U.S. wind farm purchase located in Hoopeston, Illinois. The Cameron Wind farm will be more than one-and-a-half times the size of the Hoopeston project. Together, the IKEA Hoopeston and Cameron wind farms are expected to generate nearly 1,000 gigawatt hours of electricity per year, which is equivalent to the average annual electricity consumption of around 90,000 American households. 1

“IKEA believes that the climate challenge requires bold commitment and action,” says Rob Olson, IKEA US Acting President and CFO. “We invest in renewable energy to become more sustainable as a business and also because it makes good business sense. And as a home furnishings retailer with sustainability in our roots, we are committed to providing products and solutions that help our customers be more sustainable in their everyday lives.”

IKEA Group has now committed to own and operate 279 wind turbines in nine countries, and will invest a total of $1.9 billion2 in wind and solar power up to the end of 2015. IKEA has also taken steps to further the development of a low-carbon economy by supporting key initiatives including the People’s Climate March, UN Climate Summit, RE100, and the Climate Declaration.

Mark Kenber, CEO of the non-profit organization The Climate Group, said: “IKEA was one of the first major companies to recognize that tackling climate change makes good business sense. IKEA has set commendable renewable energy targets for its own company, and its actions are positively influencing business practices and the energy market. It has played an instrumental role in setting up ‘RE100’, The Climate Group’s global initiative to support businesses in switching to 100% renewable power.”

IKEA renewable energy investments in the U.S. to date now include: 104 wind turbines located on wind farms in Hoopeston and Cameron; 165,000 solar panels installed on 90% of IKEA buildings across the U.S., providing an additional 38 megawatts installed capacity; and geothermal integrated into the heating and cooling systems of two U.S. store locations, in Centennial, Colorado, and Merriam, Kansas.

Cameron Wind is located in a particularly favorable wind area in the south of Texas, which is the leading state in the U.S. for wind energy production. The wind farm will be fully owned by the IKEA Group and will be constructed and managed by renewable energy company Apex Clean Energy. The project will use 55 Acciona 3-megawatt turbines.

“Apex is excited to partner with IKEA once again to bring clean, renewable energy from wind to market in the U.S.,” added Apex President, Mark Goodwin. “Both companies understand that this abundant resource is great for the planet, great for our business and great for our shared future.”

1Calculated using the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s ‘Average Residential Monthly Bill by Census Division and State’: http://www.eia.gov/electricity/sales_revenue_price/html/table5_a.html
2Calculated at 11/17/14 exchange rate (€1=$1.25). IKEA Group made the €1.5 billion commitment in 2009.

About IKEA
The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. The IKEA Group currently has 315 stores in 27 countries. There are 40 IKEA stores in the United States. In FY14, the IKEA Group had 716 million visitors to the stores and 1.5 billion visitors to IKEA.com. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, visit IKEA-USA.com, facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA, http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/, www.youtube.com/IKEAUSA, www.theshare-space.com, www.theshare-space.com/en/Blog

About Apex Clean Energy
Apex Clean Energy is an independent renewable energy company based in Charlottesville, VA. Since its founding in 2009, Apex has become one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry. In 2012, Apex completed the 300 MW Canadian Hills wind energy project. The company currently has 265 MW of new renewable energy facilities under construction and an additional 750 MW contracted and scheduled for completion in 2015. Apex also has a diversified portfolio of wind energy facilities in development around the country and owns several operating solar PV assets. The company’s management team comprises experts from throughout the industry whose collective prior experience includes the development, financing, construction and operation of over $10 billion in wind and solar energy facilities now operating in the United States.

CLEVELAND – Perfectly suited to celebrate a mid-decade year that’s poised for revitalization, Coral Reef (SW 6606) is Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2015. The uplifting, vivacious hue with floral notes is the perfect mélange of pink, orange and red that can be used to liven up any space.

Pulled from the Sherwin-Williams Buoyant palette, Coral Reef channels floral components, which are prominently featured in current fashion trends. Other palette colors are reminiscent of vintage floral patterns, influenced by natural-healing botanicals and the trend for green urban spaces.

“Coral Reef embodies the cheerful approach to design that we’re seeing for the coming year. Its unexpected versatility brings life to a range of design aesthetics, whether traditional, vintage, cottage or contemporary. Simply add this carefree color to your home’s palette and watch your creativity blossom,” said Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing, Sherwin-Williams.

Although Coral Reef has the chutzpah to stand by itself on a single accent wall or object like a front door or piece of furniture, its outgoing personality begs for company. Colors that make it truly sing include Cotton White (SW 7104) and Black Fox (SW 7020), as well as other floral hues, such as the Baroness (SW 6837) and lush greens, such as Paradise (SW 6720).

To relax it slightly, Coral Reef works with warm neutrals such as Sedate Gray (SW 6169) or buttery yellows like Hubbard Squash (SW 0044). Driftwood, medium wood tones and metal finishes also complement its flower-garden hue. For vintage quality that’s hard to beat, Coral Reef and aged matte brass make a perfect pair.

Standing out in a vibrant color forecast
Each year, Jordan and other Sherwin-Williams color experts research color influences from around the world to determine the annual color forecast and the Color of the Year. Color Forecast 2015 is comprised of 40 colors grouped into four palettes. In addition to the Buoyant palette in which Coral Reef resides, the forecast includes the Chrysalis, Voyage and Unrestrained color palettes.

Buoyant
“After weathering the recession and finally seeing signs of growth, the Buoyant palette reflects our enthusiasm with colors that evoke big, bright florals in fashion and interiors. Our spirits echo the optimism following World War II when GIs returned from exotic locales, bringing tropical prints and tiki-inspired looks,” said Jordan.

Chrysalis
As technology rushes ahead, the colors of Chrysalis offer a calm oasis — a place to pause and find balance. The palette’s colors range from off-black to chalky neutrals and dusty blues, for more comfortable interiors.

“An influence for Chrysalis is the appreciation of earth’s natural striations,” said Jordan. “Patterns created by the land and sky are driving inspiration for colors found in nature, from beach rocks to stormy skies.”

Voyage
From space tourism to undersea resorts, the sci-fi dreams of past decades are more viable than ever. The Voyage palette looks to these outer limits, featuring hues imagined while emerging from the water into the atmosphere — undersea teal, bright green kelp, light watery blue and deep space purple.

“The colors of Voyage are supernatural and magical. The palette is driven by unusual atmospheric events including a decade-best aurora borealis, keeping our eyes focused on the heavens,” said Jordan. “The palette’s lighter colors create an uplifting space, while its deeper tones combine to add drama.”

Unrestrained
From bold, ethnic-inspired colors and designs to the Bohemian lifestyle, the Unrestrained palette celebrates free-spirited wanderlust. Its saturated primary hues include sunny yellow, lively turquoise and bright blue, as well as black and white. Each can be used for a pop of color, or combined to create a vibrant, energetic space.

“South Africa’s colorful art scene and focus on the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro have influenced a Carnival-like spirit, inspiring design with a zest for life. The vibrant colors of Unrestrained reflect that aesthetic,” said Jordan.

Color Confidence
Using Sherwin-Williams suite of easy-to-use color selection tools, consumers can explore Color Forecast 2015 and more than 1,500 Sherwin-Williams colors. Online tools include Chip It!, which creates a colorful palette from any picture, and Sherwin-Williams Color Visualizer, which enables them to virtually “try on” paint colors.

The ColorSnap® smartphone app allows consumers to create a palette from a photo or explore colors by family, while the ColorSnap Studio iPad® app offers color inspiration and the ability to virtually paint a wall with a swipe of a finger.

All Sherwin-Williams color resources can be found at http://www.sherwin-williams.com/color.

ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™
For nearly 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service that’s focused on unique project needs. Recently, Sherwin-Williams was ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Paint Retailers, Two Years in a Row” and “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Exterior Paints” by the J.D. Power 2014 Paint Satisfaction Study. Sherwin-Williams products can only be found at its more than 3,900 neighborhood stores across North America. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.